ohio river cruises pittsburgh

Ohio River Cruises

The Ohio River rolls and roils along, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cairo, Illinois. It’s the largest tributary by volume of the Mississippi River.

In fact, at its confluence with the Mississippi, the Ohio (Seneca for “good river”) is considerably more mighty than the mighty Mississippi itself!

How mighty? Consider: The Ohio River is 981 miles long, flows through or borders six states, and is home to more than 25 million people — about 10 percent of the U.S. population (in the Ohio River basin).

USA River Cruises provides opportunities for the adventure seeker and the amateur (or not so amateur) historian aboard one of our Ohio River cruises.

For example, we offer an eight-day trip from lovely little Alton, Illinois (actually on the Mississippi River not far from St. Louis, Missouri), to Louisville, Kentucky. The trip begins on a high note in Alton, site of the last debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in October 1858.

Many of our trips provide convenient dry-land travel on board our “Hop-On/Hop-Off” buses. These buses (which look just like our ships!) travel alongside our cruises from port to port, so you’ll be able to take exciting shore excursions without the hassle of worrying about ground transport.

Call USA River Cruises now for details!

Grand Ohio River-American Melody

St. Louis to Pittsburgh

• July 12, 2024
• From $9,095
• American Melody

Music Cities Cruise-American Symphony

Memphis, TN to Nashville, TN

• August 2, 2024, August 9, 2024, August 16, 2024
• From $4,530
• American Symphony

Music Cities Cruise-American Splendor

• June 18, 2024, June 25, 2024, July 2, 2024 -- 4 more dates available.
• American Splendor

Music Cities Cruise-American Serenade

• October 15, 2024, November 5, 2024
• From $4,840
• American Serenade

Music Cities Cruise-American Melody

• September 20, 2024, November 8, 2024
• From $5,190

Grand Ohio River-American Heritage

• July 12, 2024, July 26, 2024, August 9, 2024 -- 1 more date available.
• From $7,935
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Ohio River Cruises - Cincinnati & Pittsburgh

Most cruises on the Ohio River will include other waterways, such as the Mississippi , Cumberland or Tennessee River . The American Queen Steamboat Company offers a couple of cruises on just the Ohio River during June and July. The itineraries  travel round trip from Cincinnati or between Cincinnati and Pittsburgh .

Ohio River in Cincinnati

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cincinnati-skyline-from-kentucky-shore-night.jpg

You’ll find companies that offer day and evening cruises along the Ohio River in a few different cities, such as Cincinnati, Louisville and Pittsburgh. Although, you won’t experience it onboard a ship for multilple days, you can still enjoy this amazing river as you travel along it for several hours. Event, sightseeing and themed day cruises are available throughout the year.

Ohio River Facts

The Ohio River begins at Point State Park in Pittsburgh where the Monongahela and Allegheny Rivers join together. Before reaching Pittsburgh, the Allegheny flows through New York and Pennsylvania for about 325 miles. And the Monongahela flows for about 130 miles through West Virginia and Pennsylvania until it reaches Point State Park.

Where the Allegheny and Monongahela Meet to Form the Ohio River in Pittsburgh

By David Schwab, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Flowing in a westerly direction from its source, the Ohio River stretches for 981 miles passing through or bordering Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. The mouth of the river is in Cairo, Illinois where the Ohio River meets the Mississippi River. 

A rather shallow river, the Ohio has an average depth of only 15-20 feet. And the river’s widest point is located west of Louisville where it stretches for one mile from bank to bank.

The Tennessee River is the largest tributary of the Ohio River stretching for 652 miles across four states. The two rivers are joined together in Paducah, Kentucky.

Ohio River Cruises Destinations

An overnight cruise on the Ohio River will travel through a few states and could include any of the following: Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The most well-known cities along the Ohio River are Cincinnati and Pittsburgh.

A five-day round trip cruise from Cincinnati will travel to Louisville, Kentucky and Madison, Indiana. And a six-day cruise will travel from Cincinnati to Maysville and Augusta, Kentucky and Huntington, West Virginia.

A seven-day cruise on the Ohio River will depart from Pittsburgh will travel to Marietta, Ohio, Point Pleasant, West Virgina, Maysville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. And an eight-day cruise will begin in Cincinnati and travel to Pittsburgh stopping in the same cities and make an additional stop in Wheeling, West Virginia.

For cruises combined with the Mississippi River, you’ll travel between Cincinnati and St. Louis.

An Ohio and Cumberland River cruise will travel between Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville, Tennessee.

Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky

By Stevietheman at en.wikipedia [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

The American Queen Steamboat Company is the only company that offers overnight river cruises on just the Ohio River. Pricing starts at $949 per person, and itineraries are available for about three weeks in July. They range in length from 5 to 8 days, and all depart from Cincinnati.

A few companies feature day and evening cruises on the Ohio River. In Cincinnati you'll find BB Riverboats and Queen City Riverboats . And in Louisville you can cruise the Ohio River onboard The Belle of Louisville .

Whether you choose to take an overnight cruise on the Ohio River or only a day or evening cruise, you'll have a chance to experience this great U.S. river with either option.

If you enjoyed reading this page, please share it with other people you think would also enjoy reading it. Thank you! :)

Lauri Wakefield  is a travel writer who specializes in  river cruises in Europe and the U.S. Connect with her on Twitter and Google+ .

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Cruising on the Ohio River: Just Back From American Queen

(10:15 a.m. EDT) -- If the thought of flying overseas has you feeling a little skittish these days -- because of massive flight delays and cancellations, for starters -- a journey closer to home might be just what you're looking for. A number of cruise lines, including American Queen Voyages , American Cruise Lines and Viking, offer sailings on several rivers across the United States.

While the most popular might be a Mississippi River cruise, you shouldn't discount a journey on some of the lesser-known and incredibly vibrant rivers. Veteran river cruisers will tell you that a hidden gem is the mighty Ohio River, which flows from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois, where it joins the Mississippi.

We're just back from a sailing onboard American Queen , the flagship of American Queen Voyages, where we traveled from Pittsburgh to Louisville with stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati and Madison, Indiana. Here's what you can expect on an Ohio River cruise.

Pittsburgh is a Fun and Fascinating Place to Start

If you're cruising with American Queen Voyages, a precruise stay is included with your fare, and many guests will extend it longer. The company even offers a city tour on embarkation day for those who want to explore a bit more in-depth.

The cruise begins in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, and the hotel for guests is near enough to the port, parks and other points of interest around the river to keep you busy with interesting activities. Some passengers took an American Queen Voyages tour of Pittsburgh, which includes visits to John Heinz History Center and a look at the inner workings of the city's famous Duquesne Incline, a 145-year-old incline car that gives riders the best views of the city and the confluence of three rivers, the Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela, and the many pretty bridges that span the waterways.

Others explored on their own, visiting the Andy Warhol Museum or walking some of the miles of trails that line the rivers, taking you past Acrisure (formerly Heinz) Field and PNC Park, homes of the Steelers and Pirates, respectively.

A small, big city (or is it a big, small city?), Pittsburgh offers a vibrant dining and bar scene, as well.

If you're doing the reverse of this itinerary, you'll likely start in Louisville and finish in Pittsburgh. Louisville, like Pittsburgh, if a fascinating city with plenty to do. Guests can book pre- (or post-) cruise tours here, as well, such as getting a private tour of Churchill Downs -- site of the Kentucky Derby. Those who explore on their own might take a swing by the world-famous Louisville Slugger Museum and bat factory.

You'll Find a Lot of Repeater Cruisers

Many of the guests on this itinerary will be veteran American Queen Voyages cruisers. They'll let you know as soon as you shake their hands, often starting the conversation with, "Is this your first time on the Queen?"

Spend some time with these folks, and you'll learn a lot about the ship, the itinerary and the crew.

It speaks to the passenger base, which tends to be older -- typically, 70s and up -- and is among the friendliest we've encountered. Conversation comes easy, and you'll hear tales of the many cruises they've taken and why they keep coming back to AQV and American Queen in particular. (Many of our fellow cruisers were on back-to-back voyages or even three weeks in a row all the way up to Red Wing, Minnesota.)

On our sailing, several passengers rued the fact that this was the last upper Ohio River sailing on the line's flagship for the foreseeable future. (Sister ships American Duchess and American Countess are taking over this one for the next couple years.) But fear not! American Duchess and American Countess have the same feel as the grand American Queen (down to the distinctive red paddlewheels mounted to the stern), but many die-hard fans have loyalty to the first and biggest ship in the fleet.

We were surprised by the number of passengers on this sailing who lived close to or in some of the ports we were visiting. They said they simply love being on the rivers, and it was a bonus to have a "home port" stop. (One passenger from Cincinnati stayed on the boat when the ship stopped there, instead enjoying free reign of a mostly empty vessel.)

Food is Divine and Draws from Ports Visited

A shining spot for American Queen Voyages is the onboard cuisine, in part because of its partnership with noted Natchez-based chef Regina Charboneau, the line's culinary ambassador and biscuit queen.

On our voyage, dishes drew from virtually every area the fleet visits, with incredible jambalaya inspired by New Orleans flavors, cheese curds (a Wisconsin staple) and creamy shrimp and grits. We rarely skipped a course at dinner time, and always left the dining room happy.

Many of the crew, too, come from port cities along the Mississippi River. Interestingly, a number of residents in the ports we visited came out to see the boat and even approached to ask crew members how they could get a job working on a riverboat.

AQV, though, is suffering from some of the same supply chain and worker shortage issues other cruise lines -- and pretty much all businesses on land -- are seeing. On our voyage, that manifested itself with ingredients -- cheese and avocados, for example -- running out. It also showed in the service, which was mostly friendly but definitely green: It's clear a number of people were taking on new jobs without a ton of training.

Many staff members reacted with enthusiasm, but some had us feeling a bit like asking for service was going to put them out. (We loved one bartender who, between helping guests, was reading a guide to drink making and talked of how he dreamed of moving up in the company; we couldn't wait to visit him each day.)

The Ship Draws a Lot of Attention

One of our absolute favorite things about sailing on American Queen was pulling into and leaving ports. It turns out, the ship's arrival is an event for the people who live in the port towns.

Crowds greeted the boat as it pulled in, with onlookers holding up their phones to grab photos and videos of the ship making a 180, pulling in and tying off. In Augusta (hometown of actor George Clooney and his aunt the late entertainer Rosemary Clooney), a food and music event took place at the same time, just steps from the boat, and signs hanging in restaurants and bars announced the date of the ship's arrival and also noted when Duchess and Countess would visit later this year.

Visiting town, we were asked by everyone about the riverboat: "What's it like on the inside?" and "How much does it cost to sail?"

Perhaps the most magical part was when we said goodbye. As the riverboat prepared to set sail, one of the ship's musicians sat down at the calliope to play jaunty tunes like "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" or "Daisy Bell," finishing with "God Bless America." I admit, the first time I heard the steam-powered calliope, it sounded a little … er … creepy. But seeing the crowd light up from ashore made me come around quickly. I looked forward to the tunes every day, taking the cue to head to the railing and wave goodbye to the throngs gathered.

This itinerary includes a number of locks, too, and it was stunning to see people ashore and onboard gather to view the boat transiting them. During the day, a lock transit comes with the calliope as well. (We're told on upper Mississippi trips, the locks are so close to shore that passengers can toss beads and candy to the looky-loos.)

A sailing on the Ohio River is a surprisingly wonderful way to learn about a region that, frankly, we hadn't given much thought to before our journey. The ports visited are charming, the people are bright and inquisitive, and the riverboat is the perfect way to leisurely explore while feeling pampered along the way.

© 1995— 2024 , The Independent Traveler, Inc.

Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour

Thank you for your interest in purchasing tickets for the  Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. Please check back in mid-May for details on the 2024 season.

Hop on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour—a 90-minute excursion on Pittsburgh’s three rivers!

Join Rivers of Steel on board the Explorer riverboat for the Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour. This 90-minute excursion seeks to answer the question “What makes Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh?”

Traveling on the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers, this tour shares the big stories of our region’s past—along with many lesser-known tales—as it explores a sense of place. Sit back, enjoy the skyline, and see the sights as you discover how Pittsburgh’s unique history shaped the city we have today!

Hours & Admission*

The  Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour is offered seasonally, June through October.

Beginning in early June, tours are available Thursday – Monday. By September, tours are limited to Friday evenings; times vary to coincide with the sunset!

Interested in a private group tour? Email tours@riversofsteel.com .

General Admission  

Students (18+ with college id), seniors (62 and above)  , kids (ages 4 – 17).

*Tours are limited to 60 participants and frequently sell out. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance as we cannot guarantee tickets will be available for walk-ups.

"Even if you've lived here all your life, you'll hear some things and learn some things that you never knew before. And if you've never looked at the city from the three rivers—it's such a unique perspective."

- Sean Collier on "Pittsburgh Today Live," July 8, 2021

Location & Directions

The Explorer riverboat docks on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the headwaters of the Ohio River and adjacent to the Carnegie Science Center.

What to Know Before You Go

Rivers of Steel maintains a family atmosphere on the Explorer . Please be advised of these tips and guidelines to ensure your best possible experience.

Duration & Arrival:  Guests may board Explorer one-half hour before their tour is scheduled to depart. The Uniquely Pittsburgh Sightseeing Tour  is scheduled to be 90 minutes. However, for planning purposes, we recommend blocking two hours in your schedule. Guests should plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour time. Should we encounter river traffic, the tour could be extended by as much as 15 minutes on the back end.

Location & Address: The Explorer riverboat docks at the Rivers of Steel Dock on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near the headwaters of the Ohio River. The official address is 715 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. For practical purposes (since we are on the river, not the road), the location is along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, between the Carnegie Science Center and The Landing Hotel at the Rivers Casino. All public tours and programs originate from this location.

Directions & Parking: Parking is available at the Carnegie Science Center’s paid parking lots. Please review their parking information here . For more details, including maps and step-by-step directions, visit our Google Business page or download this pdf .

What to wear: M any patrons enjoy experiencing the  Explorer  from its outside areas; please dress for the weather.

Food & Beverages: No concessions are sold onboard the Explorer , but there are two water coolers on the boat for passengers to enjoy. You are welcome to bring onboard a snack, lunch, or non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy during your tour. Smoking / vaping is prohibited at all times.

Photography: Photography is encouraged!  However, for safety reasons videography and drones are prohibited.

Accessibility: The Explorer riverboat and its home dock are ADA accessible, which includes an ADA restroom onboard as well an elevator to navigate between the boat’s decks. Handicapped parking is available nearby at the Carnegie Science Center.

COVID-19 Policies: Please be advised of our  current COVID-19 policies.  

Admission: Unless otherwise noted, all admissions are ticketed. By purchasing admission tickets, all visitors consent to be photographed.

Weather Policy:  Tours are rain or shine. Rivers of Steel will cancel a tour if inclement weather poses a threat to our guests or our vessel. In the event of unsafe river conditions, severe weather conditions, or mechanical failure or as required by the U.S. Coast Guard, other regulatory or governmental agency, our captain reserves the right to stay at dock, or if the vessel is underway, to return to dock. In such instances, refunds or exchanges can be issued for tickets purchased in advance.

For more information, contact tours@riversofsteel.com .

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

7 Reasons A Stay On The World’s Largest Steamboat Is My Favorite U.S. Cruise

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I have been on several cruises and travel adventures around the world, but recently, I’ve felt the need to focus on discovering great destinations closer to home. The U.S. is filled with countless experiences that travelers can unlock, and a river cruise offers the chance to see so many things in an efficient, hassle-free, and fun way.

Our summer cruise on the Ohio River took us from Pittsburgh to Louisville, and the itinerary included stops in Marietta, Ohio; Huntington, West Virginia; Augusta, Kentucky; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Madison, Indiana, before reaching Louisville.

I had been on voyages on the Mighty Mississippi River and even a couple in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake rivers that traverse through Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. These itineraries are fairly well known, but I was fascinated to see what an Ohio River cruise was all about. I was happy to accept an invite from American Queen Voyages to review this special itinerary.

As it turns out, it’s filled with memorable experiences and a range of fun ways to spend your days. The best part about our trip, though, was how we got there. American Queen owns a special charm and an incredible river cruise program that makes it a favorite way to cruise within the U.S. Here’s why.

1. An Itinerary With Small Towns And Big Cities

Pittsburg, pennsylvania.

American Queen Voyages offers a pre-cruise hotel stay in Pittsburgh, and it was nice to explore the City of Bridges for a day. We had lunch at the famous Primanti Brothers, diving into our hearty sandwiches — complete with fries stuffed onto the pastrami between slices of Italian bread. And we washed it down with a couple of Iron City beers.

The embarkation pier for the riverboat sits at the doorstep of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ football stadium, making for a scenic sail away from the confluence of the three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela).

Cincinnati, Ohio

The cruise also features a stop in Cincinnati and wraps up in Louisville, so travelers have opportunities to explore these interesting big cities and all they have to offer. We went for a bike ride on the riverfront, explored the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, and had lunch and craft beers at Moerlein Lager House.

Louisville, Kentucky

In Louisville, cruisers can explore city highlights like the famed Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby track) or the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory before catching flights back home.

These big cities are nice, but it’s the small towns that really make this trip shine. Residents gather along the banks of the river to cheer our arrival or give us a friendly sendoff each day. Each riverside destination, no matter how small, loves to show off its slice of American history and regional attractions, such as quirky museums, pretty churches, and, of course, its local shops and eateries.

Marietta, Ohio

In Marietta, Ohio, attractions included Mound Cemetery, one of the oldest in the original Northwest Territory, the Ohio River Museum, and the Childen’s Toy & Doll Museum.

Huntington, West Virginia

When I went ashore in Huntington, West Virginia, the hop-on, hop-off bus loop took us to the Touma Medical Museum, a delightful little open-air railroad museum (a yard filled with colorful old rail cars), Ritter Park Rose Garden, and the Marshall University Campus, which features a wonderful grounds filled with statues, sculptures, trees, and flowers.

Augusta, Kentucky

In Augusta, Kentucky, AQV passengers were able to walk just a few hundred steps from our spot on the river to explore the Rosemary Clooney Museum. This is the former home of actress, singer, and aunt to superstar George Clooney. Highlights of this charming town also include Bates Garden, the 1811 Jail, and Baker-Bird Winery.

Madison, Indiana

There was another railroad museum to see in Madison, Indiana, and the town also lists the Schroeder Saddletree Factory, the Broadway Fountain, and Lanier Mansion as top attractions for visitors to check out.

2. Enriching Entertainment

While each port stop features a variety of things for cruisers to explore, this fancy riverboat offers a daily program with a mix of musical performances, trivia competitions, movies, bingo, and variety shows. 

Music, trivia, and enrichment talks are held in American Queen’s majestic Grand Saloon theater space. During our cruise, we saw Phil Westbrook several times, as the singer and piano man performed a tribute to Frank Sinatra as well as entertained passengers at the intimate Captain’s Bar just outside the main J.M. White Dining Room.

We also dropped by the theater for shows by guitarist Logan Reeves and a song and dance variety production on TV theme songs from the American Queen Ensemble and the Steamboat Syncopators house band. The shows draw on plenty of nostalgia but definitely favor an era more familiar to cruisers 70 and older. However, the overall mood is quite fun.

A hip vibe can be found nightly at the Engine Room Bar, where the ship’s musicians get the crowd dancing with a great mix of blues and rock tunes.

3. Regionally Inspired Cuisine

The American Queen chefs kept us well-fed. Meals are served in the main dining room and in the casual eatery called the Front Porch, which offers wonderful views as you cruise on the river. When the weather is nice, it’s worth having at least one dinner outside there to enjoy the sunset and sailing.

The menu includes items like chicken fried steak, frog legs, and a variety of steak and fish preparations. The cuisine is more hearty than healthy, but you can find some fresh fruits and salads in the mix at the lunch buffets. We were always tempted by the mouth-watering selection of homemade pies and slices of chocolate cake set out each day at lunch. There always is a delicious soup, gumbo, or chili available, too.

If you need a snack, you can swing by the Front Porch for a bag of fresh popcorn, a couple of cookies, or a soft-serve ice cream cone or dish.

4. Set Your Own Pace

As a person who loves his daily workouts, I’m happy that a river cruise on American Queen makes it easy. Not only is there a well-equipped gym, but the ship carries a fleet of bikes. Colleen and I started several days with a run along the riverside trails through small towns or by grabbing a couple of bikes to go exploring independently.

In general, river cruising allows travelers the chance to explore on their own in a hassle-free way. It’s so easy to stroll onto and off of the ship at your leisure, and the towns and cities are mere steps away. You can go set your own schedule for the day if you’re not interested in rigorously following the ship excursion program.

Pro Tip: Ask crew members for their insight on nice places to eat or go shopping — or for their favorite places to get a coffee or craft brew. We received great insight from lead butler Adam, who is a coffee connoisseur and loves to find and frequent local cafes along all the river towns he visits.

5. Hop-On, Hop-Off Tours

American Queen Voyages provides a wonderful service in its hop-on, hop-off bus routes in each city and on each river itinerary that it operates. Passengers walk off the ship and straight onto waiting buses with clear signage at each stop along the route at the attractions in town.

Cruisers love being able to have peace of mind that they will see a nice mix of highlights in each port without worrying about transportation. You can get off at each spot or pick and choose what you are interested in on the loop.

6. Plenty Of Space Onboard

American Queen itself is an attraction. Built in 2012 and carrying up to 417 passengers, this is the largest steamship ever built. The décor takes you back in time to a golden era of steamship travel. The Grand Saloon resembles a 19th-century opera house with private boxes wrapped around the theater and hanging over the main level and the stage adorned with a large red curtain.

Chandeliers fill the main restaurant, rocking chairs line the railings on the front porch, and gingerbread ornamentation accents the staircases and stateroom patios of the bright white ship. The signature big red paddlewheel churns at the stern of the ship helping to power the voyage along the river.

American Queen features a large Mark Twain Gallery that serves as a reading room (with a small computer area). It’s outfitted with vintage lamps and antique chairs and all kinds of mementos of a bygone time, including river ship models, paintings, books, vases, and other collectibles.

There are two parlors at the very front of the ship ahead of the Main Twain Gallery, and these spots also are carefully decorated and ideal for working on puzzles, reading, or enjoying the river views while relaxing with friends.

7. Scenic Sailing

I found the periods of sailing from town to town one of the most relaxing and satisfying parts of this river cruise. It was fabulous to watch the world floating by, with the pretty evening sunsets, flowing waters, and subtle bends in the river. We would pass under a variety of bridge styles and see trains on adjacent tracks and tugboats pushing coal barges.

Cruisers also enjoyed the process of watching our big riverboat pass through the locks along the way.

Pro Tip: Make sure to head up to the top deck for sail aways each day. Crowds gather along the banks of the river to wave you off and wish you well on the journey. And one of the musicians will come out to play some tunes on the boat’s steam calliope. It’s a fun spectacle!

Related Reading:

• 9 Reasons You’ll Love A Princess Cruise In The Western Caribbean
• 7 Things People Always Forget To Take On A Cruise Plus 8 Things They Should Leave At Home
• I Just Sailed On Royal Caribbean With My Grandchildren — Here Are My 10 Key Tips

John loves to explore the world while prioritizing fitness and active adventures. He specializes in cruise travel, with more than 100 sailings of all types under his belt. His passion is deep exploration and connection. He loves talking sports and craft beer with people in every destination he visits. John has been a writer and travel journalist for more than 20 years, regularly contributing to top travel magazines and websites.

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AMERICAN CRUISE LINES 11 Days | Ohio River Cruise Westbound

PITTSBURGH TO ST. LOUIS Day 1 | Pittsburgh, PA. Embark. Begin your journey in "steel city," Pittsburgh. Long known for steel manufacturing, Pittsburgh was an essential stop along the Ohio River for national and international commerce, making it a wealthy town in the 18th and 19th centuries. (Please Note: River conditions can affect any cruise and the upper part of the Ohio River can be particularly sensitive to fluctuating conditions. In the event that the ship can’t dock in Pittsburgh, guests will be transported by bus from the hotel to the ship to begin their cruise. For those cruises ending in Pittsburgh, guests will be transported from the ship to Pittsburgh to enjoy the city excursions. Day 2 | Marietta, OH. The second-largest city in the Parkersburg-Marietta-Vienna Metropolitan area, Marietta was named in honor of Marie Antoinette. During the 18th and 19th century, the town experienced economic prosperity, as its location on the Ohio River made it an attractive stop for commercial steamboats, as well as travelers. Day 3 | Maysville, KY. Maysville is a quaint town with a rich history. An important stop on the Underground Railroad, Maysville was host to Harriet Beecher Stowe in 1883. Your stop will include idyllic country scenery and the native sounds of original bluegrass country music. Day 4 | Cincinnati, OH. Enjoy a visit to Cincinnati, a vibrant city and cultural center which boasts two major sports franchises, a zoo and botanical garden, and numerous theaters and museums. Stroll along its picturesque streets, abounding in eclectic architecture and shop at the famous Findlay Market, a longtime gathering place for vendors to sell local goods, meats, and fresh produce. Day 5 | Louisville, KY. Named after King Louis XVI of France, Kentucky was originally a part of Virginia, becoming the 15th state to join the Union in 1792. Louisville is best known for the famed Kentucky Derby, the first leg of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, and the oldest continuously held horse race in the country. Discover why Louisville is often referred to as either the northernmost southern city or the southernmost northern city in the United States. Day 6 | Louisville, KY. Spend another day in Kentucky, known as the "Bluegrass State," due to the bluegrass found in many of its pastures because of the fertile soil. Admire the city's architecture which is a blend of old and new. Explore the Old Louisville neighborhood, the largest historic preservation district in the U.S., solely featuring Victorian homes and buildings. Day 7 | Henderson, KY. You won’t miss the presence of the notable resident, John James Audubon, whose “Birds of America” paintings are recreated as bronze statues throughout Henderson. Named after President Washington’s home on the Potomac, this bucolic river town is steeped in fascinating lore. Let our expert guide lead you on a tour of our famous first President's historic home and grounds. Day 8 | Paducah, KY. Residing at the confluence of the Tennessee River and the Ohio River, Paducah will make you feel as if you stepped back in time. As you walk the streets of this Chickasaw village site, discover Paducah’s rich history. View the Wall-to-Wall Mural Program, a collection of over 50 murals that covers a number of subjects including Native American history, the Civil War, and area landmarks such as the Old Carnegie Library. Day 9 | Cape Girardeau, MO. Enjoy the charming features of this historic town that in the late 1800s was a French trading post and lively river port. Today, it boasts Civil War sites and a tranquil setting commemorating the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Marvel at the outdoor murals reflecting the area's rich heritage and enjoy shore excursions to Cape River Heritage Museum and the Red House Interpretive Center. Day 10 | St. Louis, MO. St. Louis is sure to win you over. Admire the scenic riverfront, highlighted by the majestic Gateway Arch, the largest man-made monument in the U.S. Enjoy St. Louis’ many world-class attractions, including the Art Museum, Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum. End your day at the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. Day 11 | St. Louis, MO. Disembark. Departure day. We recommend you spend an extra day to explore this vibrant city. Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden, one of the world’s most popular public gardens. NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS & CRUISES

Cruise into our pittsburgh tours.

• See 2024 Schedule

Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise & Tour

Calendar Available: Varies, Check Calendar

July 4th Fireworks Cruise & Tour

Calendar Available: July 4th

Haunted Three Rivers Cruise & Tour

Calendar Available: September 27 & 28,  October – Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays

Join Gateway Clipper on a Pittsburgh river cruise! Framed by three rivers — the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela — this vibrant city is a wonderful place to enjoy a boat tour, with so many beautiful sights and landmarks to explore. Our Pittsburgh tour cruises transport passengers along all three rivers, entertaining them with fun facts, warm company, and a full-service bar.

We highlight bridges, significant buildings, and well-known sites visible during the sightseeing tour. Along the way, our Captain and our onboard narrator share interesting stories from the city’s history and fun tidbits about the Pittsburgh rivers and scenery. Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat from the snack bar or enjoy a cocktail as the lush Pennsylvania landscape shows off its splendor.

Our Pittsburgh boat rides are the perfect way to spend a day or evening out! Learn more about our three rivers cruises and reserve your tickets in online today.

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• Canada and USA Rivers Cruise Ports

Pittsburgh PA (Pennsylvania)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Canada and USA Rivers

Local Time 2024-05-02 11:11

Port Pittsburgh PA cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Pittsburgh PA, Pennsylvania. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Pittsburgh PA is an Ohio River cruise port and city in Pennsylvania state's Allegheny County, with a population of around 305,000. By the metro population (of over 2,35 million) the city is ranked state's 2nd-largest (after Philadelphia ). Pittsburgh is located in southwestern Pennsylvania and at the confluence of three rivers (Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela). The city is best known for its numerous bridges (446 / 3 more than in Venice Italy ), skyscrapers (30), Fort Pitt Blockhouse (pre-revolutionary historic building), Point State Park (in downtown, at the rivers' confluence), museums, nature parks, research centers, colleges, and universities.

In its not-so-distant past, the city was famous for production steel, aluminum, glass, petroleum, foods, autos, electronics, as well as shipbuilding. The current-day economy is heavily based on technologies, including software engineering, robotics, energy research, cyber defense. By corporate headquarter employment, it is the USA's 3rd - after NYC and Chicago . Among the largest corporations with headquarters, research, and technology offices in Pittsburgh PA are Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, IBM, Bosch, Nokia. Major annual sporting events held in the city include Three Rivers Regatta, Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, Dirty Dozen Cycle Race, Pittsburgh Marathon, Great Race 10K, Head of the Ohio Regatta.

The city is served by two airports - Pittsburgh International (civil-military) and the regional Arnold Palmer (approx 53 km / 33 mi southeast of Pittsburgh). By annually shipped river cargo tonnage, Port Pittsburgh is ranked USA's 20th-largest (nearly 34 million tons) and USA's 9th-largest (domestic trade).

As a cruise port, Pittsburgh PA is included in the regular schedule of USA's largest river cruise company - ACL-American Cruise Lines . The riverport is also regularly visited by ships of AQSC-American Queen Voyages/Steamboat Company . The next tables show some of the Pittsburgh-inclusive itineraries as port sequences and prices per person (double occupancy rates).

(ACL ship Queen of the Mississippi/American Heritage ) 11-day itinerary between homeports St Louis and Pittsburgh, from ~USD 3500 pp

(ship American Duchess / AQSC) 8-day itinerary between homeports Pittsburgh and Louisville, from ~USD 2000 pp

(ship American Queen / AQSC) 8-day itinerary between homeports Louisville and Pittsburgh, from ~USD 1500 pp

The only fully COVID-vaccinated US river cruise line is AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced that its passengers will no longer be required to wear masks onboard or receive pre-cruise COVID...

American Queen Steamboat Company Introduces “Racing on the River”

AQSC-American Queen Steamboat Company announced its newest themed cruise onboard American Duchess, “Racing on the River”, cruising from...

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Pittsburgh PA - user reviews and comments

Louisville to Pittsburgh

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Sip cocktails made with local Kentucky bourbon in Louisville.
• Explore the beautiful parks and sample the signature cuisine of Cincinnati.
• Enjoy the diversity of art and live music in Maysville.
• Learn about WWII history and paranormal local legends in Point Pleasant, WV.
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Village Visits
• North America
• United States
• Pennsylvania
• Point Pleasant
• West Virginia

Full Itinerary

Day 1: louisville, kentucky, day 2: louisville, kentucky | embark.

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Madison, Indiana

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 4: Cincinnati, Ohio

Day 5: maysville, kentucky, day 6: point pleasant, west virginia, day 7: marietta, ohio, day 8: scenic river cruising, day 9: pittsburgh, pennsylvania | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

American Duchess

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is $1000 per person, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 131 days prior to departure by MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, and check

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• American Queen Steamboat Company - Terms and Conditions 2022 - American Queen Voyages

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
• 8 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Unlimited Wifi
• Gratuities to Onboard Crew
• Port Taxes & Fees
• Open Bars & Lounges throughout the vessel including a juice bar every morning
• In-Room Dining
• Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
• Live, Daily Onboard Entertainment & Enrichment
• Locally Sourced & regionally Inspired Cuisine from land and sea
• Gourmet Selections of freshly prepared choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited Beverages including an extensive wine list, choice spirits, local craft beers and specialty coffees
• Unlimited Guided Tours designed with your comfort in mind aboard private, deluxe motorcoaches
• 1-night Pre-cruise Hotel Stay with free ground transfers between hotel and vessel
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Optional Premium Shore Excursions - highly recommend booking these in advance. If interested, ask us for a detailed list of premium excursions for your cruise as these vary depending on your departure date.
• Transfers to and from the airport

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Why Travel With Adventure Life

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America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .